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Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Environmental pollution and infertility are two modern global challenges that agonize personal and public health. The causal relationship between these two deserves... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Protective effects of melatonin against the toxic effects of environmental pollutants and heavy metals on testicular tissue: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies.
BACKGROUND
Environmental pollution and infertility are two modern global challenges that agonize personal and public health. The causal relationship between these two deserves scientific efforts to intervene. It is believed that melatonin maintains antioxidant properties and may be utilized to protect the testicular tissue from oxidant effects caused by toxic materials.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify the animal trial studies that evaluated melatonin therapy's effects on rodents' testicular tissue against oxidative stress caused by heavy metal and non-heavy metal environmental pollutants. Data were pooled, and standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the random-effect model. Also, the risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool. (PROSPERO: CRD42022369872).
RESULTS
Out of 10039 records, 38 studies were eligible for the review, of which 31 were included in the meta-analysis. Most of them showed beneficial effects of melatonin therapy on testicular tissue histopathology. [20 toxic materials were evaluated in this review, including arsenic, lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, potassium dichromate, sodium fluoride, cigarette smoke, formaldehyde, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), 2-Bromopropane, bisphenol A, thioacetamide, bisphenol S, ochratoxin A, nicotine, diazinon, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Chlorpyrifos (CPF), nonylphenol, and acetamiprid.] The pooled results showed that melatonin therapy increased sperm count, motility, viability and body and testicular weights, germinal epithelial height, Johnsen's biopsy score, epididymis weight, seminiferous tubular diameter, serum testosterone, and luteinizing hormone levels, testicular tissue Malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels. On the other hand, abnormal sperm morphology, apoptotic index, and testicular tissue nitric oxide were lower in the melatonin therapy arms. The included studies presented a high risk of bias in most SYRCLE domains.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our study demonstrated amelioration of testicular histopathological characteristics, reproductive hormonal panel, and tissue markers of oxidative stress. Melatonin deserves scientific attention as a potential therapeutic agent for male infertility.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022369872.
Topics: Animals; Male; Melatonin; Environmental Pollutants; Semen; Testis; Antioxidants
PubMed: 36793277
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1119553 -
Contact Dermatitis Jun 2017The standardized protocol for performing the strip patch test has proven to be valid, but evidence on its reliability is still missing. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The standardized protocol for performing the strip patch test has proven to be valid, but evidence on its reliability is still missing.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the parallel-test reliability of the strip patch test as compared with the conventional patch test.
METHODS
In this multicentre, prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded reliability study, 132 subjects were enrolled. Simultaneous duplicate strip and conventional patch tests were performed with the Finn Chambers on Scanpor tape test system and the patch test preparations nickel sulfate 5% pet., potassium dichromate 0.5% pet., and lanolin alcohol 30% pet. Reliability was estimated by the use of Cohen's kappa coefficient.
RESULTS
Parallel-test reliability values of the three standard patch test preparations turned out to be acceptable, with slight advantages for the strip patch test. The differences in reliability were 9% (95%CI: -8% to 26%) for nickel sulfate and 23% (95%CI: -16% to 63%) for potassium dichromate, both favouring the strip patch test.
CONCLUSIONS
The standardized strip patch test method for the detection of allergic contact sensitization in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis is reliable. Its application in routine clinical practice can be recommended, especially if the conventional patch test result is presumably false negative.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nickel; Patch Tests; Potassium Dichromate; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Single-Blind Method; Young Adult
PubMed: 28271532
DOI: 10.1111/cod.12758 -
Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) Apr 2021We have reported sub-fertility in F progeny rats with gestational exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], which had disrupted Sertoli cell (SC) structure and function,...
We have reported sub-fertility in F progeny rats with gestational exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], which had disrupted Sertoli cell (SC) structure and function, and decreased testosterone (T). However, the underlying mechanism for reduced T remains to be understood. We tested the hypothesis "transient prenatal exposure to Cr(VI) affects testicular steroidogenesis by altering hormone receptors and steroidogenic enzyme proteins in Leydig cells (LCs)." Pregnant Wistar rats were given drinking water containing 50, 100, and 200 mg/L potassium dichromate during gestational days 9-14, encompassing fetal differentiation window of the testis from the bipotential gonad. F male rats were euthanized on postnatal day 60 (peripubertal rats with adult-type LCs alone). Results showed that prenatal exposure to Cr(VI): (i) increased accumulation of Cr(III) in the testis of F rats; (ii) increased serum levels of luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones (LH and FSH), and 17β estradiol, and decreased prolactin and T; (iii) decreased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 11A1, cytochrome P450 17A1, 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, cytochrome P450 aromatase and 5α reductase proteins, (iv) decreased specific activities of 3β and 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases; (v) decreased receptors of LH, androgen and estrogen in LCs; (vi) decreased 5α reductase and receptor proteins of FSH, androgen, and estrogen in SCs. The current study concludes that prenatal exposure to Cr(VI) disrupts testicular steroidogenesis in F progeny by repressing hormone receptors and key proteins of the steroidogenic pathway in LCs and SCs.
Topics: 17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; Animals; Carcinogens, Environmental; Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase; Chromium; Female; Hormones; Male; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Potassium Dichromate; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, LH; Receptors, Prolactin; Receptors, Steroid; Testis; Rats
PubMed: 33675932
DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.01.014 -
Contact Dermatitis Jul 2021In 2015, a Chinese expert consensus on photopatch testing (PPT) was established, based on European consensus methodology.
BACKGROUND
In 2015, a Chinese expert consensus on photopatch testing (PPT) was established, based on European consensus methodology.
OBJECTIVES
To update current information on the prevalence of photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) to 20 photoallergens and their clinical relevance in the Chinese context.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 2372 patients who performed PPT in a tertiary referral center in China between 2015 and 2019 was completed. A total of 1208 PACD reactions were observed in 897 (37.8%) patients, and 413 reactions were of current or past relevance.
RESULTS
The proportion of reactions of current or past relevance was 34.2%. The most frequent photoallergens were chlorpromazine, thimerosal, potassium dichromate, and formaldehyde. The ultraviolet absorbers, benzophenone and Para-aminobenzoic acid, showed opposite gender distribution to PACD. Twenty-five patients (1.9%) developed PACD reactions to a newly added photoallergen preparation - fragrance mix I. Patients with chronic actinic dermatitis, widespread exposed-site or generalized dermatitis, and older age were more likely to have PACD.
CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first to profile PACD reactions with clinical relevance in China. The prevalence of PACD to culprit photoallergens was affected by regional peculiarities. Attention needs to be paid to the age, body-site distribution, and known diagnoses of patients for the identification of PACD.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; China; Cosmetics; Dermatitis, Photoallergic; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patch Tests; Prevalence; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 33576094
DOI: 10.1111/cod.13808 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2020Many laboratory studies in cryptosporidial research require a source of purified oocysts. Sources can include experimentally infected laboratory animals or from samples...
Many laboratory studies in cryptosporidial research require a source of purified oocysts. Sources can include experimentally infected laboratory animals or from samples collected from naturally infected animals and from clinical cases of human cryptosporidiosis. Purification of oocysts can be accomplished with readily available laboratory equipment including tabletop centrifuges and microcentrifuges. Following purification, oocysts can be stored in antibiotic-supplemented buffers or in 2.5% aqueous potassium dichromate for over 6 months. Ultimately, oocyst viability and infectivity decline to less than 10% after 1 year, so if isolates are expected to be maintained, serial passage in a suitable host at ≤6-month intervals is recommended. Oocysts purified as described in this chapter are suitable for animal infection studies, cell culture studies, and a wide range of molecular biological studies, environmental studies, drug testing, and disinfection studies.
Topics: Animals; Centrifugation, Density Gradient; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Disinfection; Feces; Humans; Oocysts; Workflow
PubMed: 31452156
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9748-0_4 -
Contact Dermatitis Oct 2022Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to Compositae is caused by sensitisation to sesquiterpene lactones (SQLs) and subsequent exposure can occur from direct handling or...
BACKGROUND
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to Compositae is caused by sensitisation to sesquiterpene lactones (SQLs) and subsequent exposure can occur from direct handling or from airborne transmission. Plants from the Compositae family are ubiquitous globally and their plant extracts are also used in various products.
OBJECTIVES
Investigation of contact allergy (CA) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to Compositae at a single dermatology centre.
METHODS
A retrospective case review was performed on patients undergoing patch testing to Compositae between January 2011 and December 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.
RESULTS
Of 3679 patients, 44 (1.2%) patch tested positive to Compositae and 19 (43.2%) reactions were deemed relevant. Thirteen cases (68.4%) were from direct contact with Compositae plants, mostly in gardeners. Six cases (31.6%) were from personal products and all these patients were female. Involvement of the face was significant (p = 0.007). Simultaneous allergic reactions included SQL mix in eight (42.1%), fragrance mix in seven (36.8%), potassium dichromate in three (15.8%) and colophonium in two (10.5%) cases.
CONCLUSION
Contact with Compositae from gardening contributed most cases of ACD; however, personal products accounted almost one-third of cases. Treatment options remain limited and avoidance is the most important aspect of management.
Topics: Allergens; Asteraceae; Australia; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Humans; Patch Tests; Plants; Retrospective Studies; Sesquiterpenes
PubMed: 35603484
DOI: 10.1111/cod.14162 -
Contact Dermatitis Jan 2021Pediatric allergic contact dermatitis is increasing. The patch test allergens included in pediatric baseline series vary globally. The worldwide prevalence of pediatric... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Pediatric allergic contact dermatitis is increasing. The patch test allergens included in pediatric baseline series vary globally. The worldwide prevalence of pediatric reactions to allergens needs clarification.
OBJECTIVES
Identify the prevalence, associated factors, and culprit allergens for contact allergy among patch-tested Thai children, and compare with those for adults.
METHODS
Baseline series patch test results from 2010-2019 were collected for patients younger than 18 years of age. As a control group, sex-matched adult patients were randomly selected. The results and characteristics of the two groups were compared.
RESULTS
The median age of 112 patch tested pediatric patients was 16 (range 2-17) years. Of the children, 35.5% had at least one positive reaction, significantly less than the 56.6% for adults. The five most common pediatric allergens were nickel sulfate (12.1%), potassium dichromate (8.0%), methylisothiazolinone (7.1%), fragrance mix II (6.0%), and carba mix (5.4%). Although similar, the 10 most common allergens of the groups differed in order. Positive reactions to cosmetic allergens were significantly less frequent among the children. Many allergens remained entirely negative.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of positive reactions was lower in children, varying by population and region. The top-10 pediatric and adult causative allergens were almost identical. We recommend using the same baseline patch test series for children and adults in our region.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Allergens; Child; Child, Preschool; Cosmetics; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Humans; Male; Patch Tests; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Sex Distribution; Thailand
PubMed: 32696982
DOI: 10.1111/cod.13672 -
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry : PPB Mar 2023Recent studies have shown that Cr uses other element transporters such as phosphate transporters to enter cells. The aim of this work is to explore the interaction...
Recent studies have shown that Cr uses other element transporters such as phosphate transporters to enter cells. The aim of this work is to explore the interaction between dichromate and inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the plant of Vicia faba L. To study this interaction, we used three concentrations of Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (KHPO) 10 mM (Pi10), 50 mM (Pi50) and 100 mM (Pi100) added alone or in combination with potassium dichromate (KCrO) Cr + Pi10, Cr + Pi50 and Cr + Pi100. In order to investigate the impact of this interaction on morpho-physiological parameters, the biomass, chlorophyll content, proline level, HO level, Catalase and Ascorbate peroxidase activity and Cr-bioaccumulation has been determined. For the molecular scale, the theoretical chemistry was used via molecular docking to explore the various interactions between dichromate CrO/HPO/HOP and the phosphate-transporter. We have selected the eukaryotic phosphate transporter (PDB: 7SP5) as the module. The results showed that KCrO negatively affects morpho-physiological parameters and generates oxidative damage (+84% HO than the control), which involved the production of antioxidant enzymes (+147% Catalase and +176% Ascorbate-peroxidase) and Proline (+108%). The addition of Pi improved the growth of Vicia faba L. and induces the partial restoration of the parameters affected by Cr (VI) to the normal levels. Also, it decreased oxidative damage and reduce Cr (VI) bioaccumulation in shoots and roots. Molecular docking has shown that the dichromate structure is more compatible and establishes more bonds with the Pi-transporter which generates a very stable complex compared to HPO/HOP. Overall, these results confirmed that there is a strong relationship between dichromate uptake and the Pi-transporter.
Topics: Catalase; Vicia faba; Molecular Docking Simulation; Hydrogen Peroxide; Antioxidants; Oxidative Stress; Proline
PubMed: 36809730
DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.02.029 -
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology Nov 2021Patch testing is the gold standard diagnostic test for allergic contact dermatitis and needs to be relevant to the region and the population being tested. The aim of...
BACKGROUND
Patch testing is the gold standard diagnostic test for allergic contact dermatitis and needs to be relevant to the region and the population being tested. The aim of this study was to develop a specific New Zealand baseline series (NZBS).
METHOD
We performed a retrospective case note review of patients attending four regional patch test centres between 2008 and 2020. Demographic and diagnostic information was collected for each patient along with results of patch testing. Using the results of this review, a group of 11 dermatologists with an interest in contact dermatitis agreed on a core group of allergens for inclusion in an NZBS, based on the frequency of positive reactions and allergens of interest. The remaining potential allergens were ranked by each dermatologist using an online questionnaire, with inclusion in the final NZBS by consensus.
RESULTS
Results from 2402 patients (67% female, mean age 44 years) from Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North and Christchurch were collated. The 10 most frequent positive (relevant and non-relevant) allergens were nickel sulfate (22.0%), fragrance mix I (8.6%), cobalt chloride (7.3%), Myroxylon pereirae (5.6%), colophonium (5.1%), p-phenylenediamine (4.9%), methylisothiazolinone/methylchloroisothiazolinone (4.1%), fragrance mix II (3.9%), potassium dichromate (3.5%) and methylisothiazolinone (3.4%). Based on these results, a core series of 30 allergens was developed, with an additional 30 allergens added to form the extended series (total 60 allergens).
CONCLUSION
The baseline series of patch test allergens for routine use in New Zealand (NZBS) is based on national patch test data and expert consensus.
Topics: Adult; Allergens; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; New Zealand; Patch Tests; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 34293187
DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13673 -
Biological Trace Element Research Apr 2023Exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] causes human and animal hepatotoxicity. However, it is unclear how Cr(VI) induces hepatotoxicity, nor is it clear which pathways...
Exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] causes human and animal hepatotoxicity. However, it is unclear how Cr(VI) induces hepatotoxicity, nor is it clear which pathways and genes may be involved. This study aimed to identify the key molecular pathways and genes engaged in Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity. Publicly available microarray GSE19662 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. GSE19662 consists of primary rat hepatocyte (PRH) groups treated with or without 0.10 ppm potassium dichromate (PD), with three samples per group. Compared to the control group, a total of 400 differentially expressed genes were obtained. Specially 262 and 138 genes were up- and downregulated in PD-treated PRHs, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment indicated that those DEGs were primarily engaged in many biological processes, including androgen biosynthetic process, the positive regulation of cell death, the response to activity, the toxic substance and hepatocyte growth factor stimulus, and others. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) suggested that the DEGs are fundamentally enriched in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatitis B, p53, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, AMPK, metabolic pathways, estrogen, cGMP-PKG, metabolic pathways, etc. Moreover, many genes, including UBE2C, TOP2A, PRC1, CENPF, and MKI67, might contribute to Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity. Taken together, this study enhances our understanding of the regulation, prevention, and treatment strategies of Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Rats; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Gene Expression Profiling; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Computational Biology; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 35648283
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03291-7